It is well known throughout the soft tissue therapist profession that massage is effective in treating the difficulties that come with day-to-day incorrect posture to strenuous training in athletes. It is proven that this type of treatment can be beneficial to the biomechanical, physiological, neurological and psychological functions in the body.
Biomechanics is how loads, motion, stress and strain on the musculoskeletal system affects the movement and structure of the human body. The performance of the musculoskeletal system is restricted by any tension, stiffness, spasm or adhesion in the muscle or connective tissue. Massage is effective in increasing muscle flexibility, decreasing tension and increasing joint range of motion. It’s also responsible for increasing fluid movement such as blood and lymph, helping with oxygen and nutrient uptake and movement of waste products. This allows the system to work efficiently and to achieve the full muscle potential.
An increase in fluid movement, improved digestion and white blood cells are just a few examples of the physiological benefits that massage offers. Increased blood flow aids in removing metabolic waste from cells, improving oxygen and nutrient uptake in the muscle, allowing it to function to its full potential and fatigue less. Massage can improve digestion, as it stimulates peristalsis in the digestive tract. An increase in peristalsis allows for and increase in waste movement, resulting in better nutrient uptake and improves general well-being.
Massage therapy has been proven to have positive effects on the nervous system. Touch can stimulate or soothe sensory receptors, deactivate painful trigger points, give full body awareness and decrease pain. Nerves are responsible for innervating muscle fibers and so specific techniques are useful in aiding efficient movement. It is also known that massage can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain to stimulate different hormone production. During massage, the body releases endorphins. Endorphins are responsible for reducing stress, relieving pain, enhancing the immune system. The increase of endorphins has shown to improve the length and quality of sleep and to reduce the symptoms of headaches. Massage therapy decreases sympathetic nervous activity, which is the system responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ reaction in the body. It has also been proven that soft tissue work decreases the stress hormone cortisol. With these reductions, massage sessions support rest and relaxation and aid in the alleviation of stress, anxiety and depression.
If you have any queries about how massage therapy could benefit you, get in touch!
